Strong rates of expansion in output, new orders and employment were the main drivers behind the manufacturing PMI reaching its highest level since the survey began in mid-1997, IHS said.

Acting as a backdrop, Caixin's Chinese services PMI shot up from a reading of 51.6 in November to 53.0 for December. Panellists attributed greater production to more favourable demand conditions and increased new order volumes.

Pacing gains on the latter was stock in Fiat Chrysler and Ubi Banca, with the former apparently boosted by the outlook for sales on the other side of the Pond thanks to recently approved tax cuts. Increased capacity pressures were also reflected in backlog accumulation.

Stronger demand has allowed firms to raise prices at the fastest pace in 10 months to make up for rising input costs.

At the same time, consumer credit continued to expand at a fairly strong £1.4bn on the month.

"India's service economy showed signs of recovery as it returned to marginal expansion in December", said Aashna Dodhia, economist at IHS Markit and author of the report.

The number of new jobs being created across the sector touched its highest level since June, according to the report, which showed housebuilding work had grown for the 16th month on the bounce.

PMI data saw record highs in Austria, Germany and Ireland and remained close to November's peak in the Netherlands.

"A key development to watch out for in 2018 is the potential advent of accelerating inflation", said Larry Hatheway, chief economist at GAM.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze hits Switch on May 4Jan 12, 2018 - 00:31
The writers here at Nintendo Enthusiast are huge fans of Tropical Freeze , so this is a welcome announcement. Here's some more Donkey Kong news today, and this bit is for the Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle crowd.

Woman returns dead Christmas tree to Costco - in JanuaryJan 12, 2018 - 00:31
A furious woman in California created a commotion at a popular wholesale outlet as she came to return her Christmas tree. The woman still hasn't been identified; however, she did give shoppers on social media a new idea for next year.

Meghan Markle deletes social media accounts ahead of weddingJan 10, 2018 - 00:29
Meghan Markle were incredibly touched that you took the trouble to write as you did in connection to their forthcoming Wedding. Now that she's about to become a royal, Meghan Markle has a few more rules to follow in her daily life.

Male infertility among many side effects linked to ibuprofenJan 10, 2018 - 00:24
Aspirin, the best-selling NSAID on the USA market, was initially linked to stomach problems but was thought to be otherwise safe. The disorder was mild and temporary in the clinical volunteers, researchers told The Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom.

GoPro shares dive as it cuts staff, exits drone marketJan 09, 2018 - 00:26
The news comes after word leaked last week that GoPro was about to lay off more than 250 workers from its aerial division. According to CNBC , no sale can be assured, and it's unclear whether anyone has made an offer to buy GoPro .

Raiders make it official: Jon Gruden is their new coachJan 07, 2018 - 05:13
He was 2-2 in the postseason, losing in the AFC title game following the 2000 season and the divisional round in 2001. In 2008, the Super Bowl-winning Head Coach parted ways with the Buccaneers, and ventured into the broadcast booth.

North Dakota State takes back FCS title, tops James Madison 17-13Jan 07, 2018 - 04:38
NDSU finished plus-2 in turnover margin, including two interceptions that both came with James Madison in scoring position. You could feel the air leaving the stadium as the Dukes brought the punting unit out with just over three minutes to play.

President Trump's border wall coming to Laredo?Jan 07, 2018 - 04:37
Democratic lawmakers have already rejected that compromise, and the standoff could lead to a federal government shutdown. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer reiterated that Democrats also want "strong and real border security".